Heading swiftly into battle

It's time. The 2015 ANZ Championship season is upon us. We hope you are as ready as the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel are to prove you're Made of Steel.

We launch our campaign against the NSW Swifts on Sunday night at ILT Stadium - and we are eagerly anticipating a clash of epic proportions against our foes from across the ditch.

Smart off-season recruiting has seen the Swifts bolster their roster with players of international calibre, transforming them into a formidable opponent for any side.

But, together with a Steel team that's oozing talent, passion and an unwavering tenacity, we also boast geographic advantage.

Traditionally, Invercargill hasn’t proved a successful hunting ground for the Swifts, losing their two previous encounters in the southern city in 2013 and 2009.

It's a trend we are intent on continuing.

Swifts coach Rob Wright says his team is excited to get underway, however they're aware of the big challenge that lies ahead on Sunday night.

“It’s an interesting stat and I think it just shows how hard it is to play the Steel in Invercargill and I would expect nothing different [this Sunday].  They’re a really good side who came home brilliantly at the end of last season and I think they’re going to be really tough at home,” Wright predicted.

Our favourite Jamaican Jhaniele Fowler-Reid will again spearhead the Steel's attack and Wright isn't underestimating the threat of one of the league's most prolific shooters with almost 2000 goals to her credit at 94 percent accuracy.

“[Fowler-Reid] is an incredible shooter and I don’t know if you can minimise her impact [on a game] - she’s going to score a lot of goals [and] her teammates do an outstanding job of feeding to her, so to me it’s just making sure that any opportunities that come our way we [take],” he said.

Victory for the Steel is undoubtedly going to take a full team effort - on and off the court. And that includes our loyal fans. It's time to Stand Behind the Steel.

Get your tickets from ILT Stadium, the Edgar Centre or www.ticketdirect.co.nz

Steel yourself for Round 1

Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel v NSW Swifts
  - Sunday 1 March, 7.10pm  ILT Stadium Southland, Invercargill

Umpires: Jono Bredin & Kristie Simpson  Reserve: Danielle Maulder

The Facts:

• The Swifts lead head-to-head with five wins and two losses in seven previous meetings with the Swifts winning four the past five meetings between the sides.
• The Steel and Swifts have met in Invercargill on two previous occasions with the Steel winning both matches.
• The Swifts have six new members in their 2015 ANZ Championship team; Jade Clarke (Tactix), Julie Corletto (Mystics), Taylah Davies, Erin Hoare (Vixens), Micaela Wilson and Stephanie Wood. Davies and Wilson were both replacement players for the Swifts in 2014.
• Stephanie Wood is the only player in the Swifts team yet to make her ANZ Championship debut.
• The Swifts retain two members from their inaugural (2008) ANZ Championship team; Kimberlee Green and Susan Pettitt (nee Pratley).
• The Swifts were the inaugural ANZ Championship champions downing the Magic 65-56 in the Grand Final in Sydney.

Dress up time!

Kit yourself out in the latest Steel supporters gear! We have a great range of merchandise available at our home games or from the Netball South offices at ILT Stadium Southland.

We think the players look incredibly sharp in their Scody uniforms and now you can wear it too!

Replica clothing is available online at http://www.scody.com.au/event-merchandise/event_362/southern-steel/official-merchandise/

Simon Jones is our
Man of Steel

I often get asked in my role from those that know my history, ‘what is the difference between the male and female team sporting environment?’

If I start at the lighter end of the spectrum, the cut of the track pants. A different seam structure and slight shape change can lead to a season of mild discomfort and limited range of motion.

Click Here to read more

Vote for your E Hayes STEEL PLAYER OF THE YEAR

It's time to stand behind your favourite team and get behind your favourite players.

From the start of Sunday's game against the Swifts - and then anytime through the 2015 season - you can vote for your choice for the Steel Player of the Year.  You'll go into the end-of-season draw to win a $500 GIFT CARD from E Hayes and Sons, Proud Supporters of the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel.

The winner of the Player of the Year Trophy, as well as the winner of our Prize Draw, will be announced at a special end-of-season function in our store, details to be announced soon.  Vote carefully though as you can only vote ONCE!

Allied Concrete, The Southland Times, Creation Signs, McCallums Drycleaning, Rothbury Insurance Brokers, World Heath and Fitness, Select Recruitment, Southern Sports Podiatry, Aart on St Andrew, Dianne Manson – Nationwide Images New Zealand, Strawberry Sound, Kinetic Health, Don Street Physiotherapy, Roslyn Physiotherapy, Coats and Schuck Jewellers, Ricoh South, ILT Stadium Southland, Splash Palace, Moana Pool

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Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel - PO Box 6034, Invercargill North, Invercargill 9841 NEW ZEALAND Telephone + 64 3 217 1303